Mark Teixeira out 8-10 weeks with strained wrist

The New York Yankees have suffered their latest blow entering the season. First baseman Mark Teixeira is out 8-10 weeks with a strained wrist, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Teixeira was hurt this week while taking batting practice with the Team USA World Baseball Classic squad. He was sent home from the team, and initial projections had him missing 7-10 days. That has been upped to over two months. The projected timetable reportedly includes four weeks of just rest.

In addition to Teixeira’s injury, the Yankees were already prepared to be without Curtis Granderson for at least the first month of the season. Granderson is about two weeks into his recovery from a fractured forearm sustained when he was hit by a pitch on Feb. 24. He is projected to miss 10 weeks.

As if the injuries to Teixeira and Granderson were not enough, GM Brian Cashman also broke his leg and dislocated his ankle skydiving for charity Monday.

The Yankees embraced a new cost-cutting strategy this offseason with the goal of getting under the luxury tax. Their lack of moves led many to believe this season would be open for a new team in the AL East — and AL in general — to take over. The Toronto Blue Jays seized the perceived opening by making a few signings and big trades. Things appear to be setting up nicely for them or another team in the division to overtake the Yanks this season.